It was like old favorites week for me when I returned to the newly expanded Ramen Shop in Oakland and Iyasare in Berkeley, checking out how it fared after chef Shotaro Kamio opened Zut Tavernnext door. I’m happy to report that the new restaurant didn’t distract him from the precisely executed and creative Japanese food that he continues to create in the space that for many years held O Chame.

Aside from two trips across the Bay Bridge I stayed pretty close to home, checking out the seafood menu at Farallon, paying a review visit to the new Old Bus Tavern in Bernal Heights, and checking out the Top 100 Bar Agricole.